Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Figure 1.
Larry Wilson, author and CEO, SafeStart, reviews the lessons of the ‘complacency continuum’
As we revisit the Paradigm Shifts series, we are now approaching its final stretch with article #9 out of 12: Critical Decisions – Part 1: Normal Risk vs. Making an Exception.
Before diving in, let’s briefly recall the key insights from the previous article, where we explored the complacency continuum and the importance of 'when' vs. 'what' in decision-making (Please see Figure 1).
When did you get hurt vs. what were you doing? And if you really think about it or if you really think about what has actually happened to you, you’ll realise that you have most likely experienced accidental pain – even if it wasn’t serious – in almost any activity you’ve ever done, whether it’s walking, running, cleaning, carrying something and dropping it on your foot, cutting, hammering, driving, cooking, sewing (you name it), chances are you’ve said, “Ouch” or something worse, more than once. So, if you can accept that the “what” isn’t really where the pattern is, because, we’ve all been hurt, a little or a lot, doing pretty much everything (as long as you were moving and/or things around you were moving). So, the pattern, especially in terms of our serious injuries, has been when we made both of the first two critical errors at the same time: we didn’t have our eyes on task and we weren’t thinking about what we were doing (mind not on task). And as a result, we didn’t get a reflex – which might have enabled us to hit the brake, jerk the steering wheel, catch our balance or break our fall, move our head quickly, etc.
So, we looked at the problem of figuring out “when” in the last article. When would we or when would they be most likely to have those “defenseless moments”? The conclusion was that they (at least the majority of them) would happen after the first stage of complacency, and – although the person wouldn’t likely know it – be happening more frequently as they passed into stage 2. Which helped to answer the question of why older, well-trained workers, with lots of experience were experiencing so many serious injuries and fatalities. Note: before the first stage of complacency, untrained workers or workers without enough experience do get hurt frequently. But they are usually more mindful in terms of paying attention. They just don’t have the skills or reflexes yet. So, that’s easy to understand and it’s easy enough to fix, if you’re willing to take the time to train them properly.
However, there’s more to it than just that. As mentioned, albeit briefly, in the last article, as time goes on people tend to get more complacent, not less. The increased level of complacency can also start to affect someone’s decision making. Not only do they have more “defenseless moments”, but if nothing bad has actually happened (vs. just another close call) then the person’s willingness to change will be very low, and certainly their belief that their behaviour “really needs to change” will be virtually non-existent. Hence the: “Oh yeah, well I’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and I’ve never been hurt yet!” So, for them, “normal” behaviour is “at-risk”. In other words, they normally don’t wear the face shield at the grinding wheel or they normally don’t wear a seat belt on the fork truck. And if someone has been using the grinding wheel without a face shield for 20 years, we can assume – with a fair bit of confidence – that complacency has gotten the better of them.
Then on the other side (see Figure 1), there are people whose normal behaviour is safe: they normally do wear the face shield. Just like people normally drive the speed limit or maybe a little above the posted speed limit. In other words, you know what you mean when you say, “I was driving at normal speed or at a normal speed for me, given the conditions”. Let’s just call it, “our own speed limit” which, as mentioned, might be slightly higher than the posted speed limit. But here’s the thing or the main point: we have all exceeded our own speed limit when we were in a “big rush”. So, if we are in enough of a rush, we will make an exception, and not only break government laws or company rules, we will even break our own rules. And the same thing can be true for frustration and fatigue. Normal people can and will make exceptions or can have their decisions compromised by rushing, frustration and fatigue.
I can remember when this paradigm shift hit me. I was in Houston doing a three-day workshop. Our video crew lives in the greater Houston area, so we got together after day one to look at some of the “Tool Box” videos for a series they started working on. Although the manager of the crew was very familiar with the concepts and critical error reduction techniques, the crew really only knew about rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency. What I didn’t know (long story) was that the manager was not going with the crew to these shoots, so they were just asking for stories – true stories – that were about workplace injuries caused by rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency.
Click here to read the full article and gain insights into enhancing safety through improved decision-making.
Stay tuned for Critical Decisions – Part 2: Deliberate Risk and Error, where we dive deeper into how intentional risk-taking interacts with human error and what we can do to mitigate it!
https://uk.safestart.com/paradigm-shifts/9-critical-decisions-part-1-normal-risk-vs-making-an-exception/
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Port of Duqm Company has signed an MoU with Oman Oil Marketing Company with the intention of co-developing and implementing solar systems, EV charging and biofuels at the Port of Duqm.
Signing the MoU on behalf of the Port of Duqm Company was its CEO, Reggy Vermeulen, who said, "We are committed to developing sustainable energy solutions at the port and this agreement strengthens our efforts towards achieving an environmentally friendly operational environment that aligns with Oman Vision 2040.
"Our partnership with OOMCO will open new avenues in the clean energy sector, contributing to the transformation of Port of Duqm into a sustainable logistics gateway at both the regional and international levels."
Tariq Mohammed al Junaidi, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) CEO, was also present at the MoU signing.
"At Oman Oil Marketing Company, we are committed to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions beyond fuel. Our advancements in solar energy, EV charging infrastructure and biodiesel support Oman's transition to clean energy.
"This MoU with Port of Duqm marks a key step in enabling the port to optimise energy use, reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 13 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Navtech's MAS10 is the world's first 77GHz FMCW marine radar, promising all-weather navigation and safer manoeuvring.
The company partnered with leading marine operators for the product's development, inspiring its groundbreaking adoption of weatherproof W-band radar tech and rugged design to support its mission-critical applications.
Rachel O'Connor, Navtech Radar's marine business development manager, stated, "New challenges demand more advanced solutions. The MAS10 radar is purpose-built for marine automation, combining a 1km range with centimetre-level precision and all-weather reliability.
"The MAS10’s high-resolution imaging enables machine-learning-powered classification, setting a new standard for safe and intelligent navigation. With 25 years of Navtech expertise, the MAS10 is designed to enable safer and smarter navigation for the future of maritime operations."
Zero USV was one such operator partnering with Navtech for the MAS10 product development. Matthew Ratsey, Zero USV's founder and MD, added, "Navtech's MAS10 is such a unit, the definition and quality to pick up even the smallest of targets in cluttered environments is vital for the autonomous industry to continue seeking the goal of ‘jetty to jetty’ navigation where busy harbours still represent a significant challenge."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 13 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Several Louisiana federal agency offices are losing their leases as part of a statewide cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal watchdog established by the Trump Administration whose stated aim is to streamline government spending and minimise waste.
The DOGE website, which analyses government cost-cutting measures, claims that the initiative has saved over US$105bn across the country through asset sales, contract cancellations, fraud eliminations, and lease terminations. As of March 6, the expected savings per taxpayer were US$652.17.
The largest cost-cutting strategy among the terminated Louisiana agency leases involved the Social Security Administration in Houma, which had an annual leasing cost of more than US$550,000.
The agency's lease was terminated through a "agency-approved lease termination," which means that the agency consented to evacuate the premises, according to Louisiana First News.
OSHA office to be closed
One of the eight federal agencies affected by these cuts in Louisiana is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). DOGE stated it was a “Mass Mod” termination, meaning leases that are cancelled through mass modifications.
OSHA's 8,041 sq ft Louisiana office, which is located in the state capital Baton Rouge, costs the US government US$187,451 every year. According to DOGE, closing this office space will save the government US$109,346.
OSHA is a division of the United States Department of Labour that oversees occupational safety and health.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA strives to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by establishing and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
There has been no official statement from OSHA at the time of writing this report.
Other health and safety organisations impacted
Other organisations that are closing their offices include the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which is the legal team within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A report by Fierce Healthcare hyas indicated that OGC is closing six of its ten regional offices. This however does not appear to be mandated by DOGE.
The report stated that HSS regional offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle will close. In certain cases, these regional offices are located in government buildings that were temporarily added to the General Services Administration's (GSA) non-core property list last week. This list suggested that the government is willing to remove federal buildings from its national footprint.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could also be impacted by spending cuts, given that the US government is looking to divest from non-core properties.
It remains unclear how the employees working for these all of these agencies will be affected.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 11 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Saudi Arabia's building sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and the Kingdom plans to strengthen fire and life safety (FLS) standards by introducing new Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Saudi Fire Code (SFC) rules in mid-2025.
To prepare for these developments, AESG has reinforced its Fire & Life Safety section by hiring fire protection engineers, senior fire protection engineers, and principle fire protection engineers in Saudi Arabia.
This strategic expansion strengthens the firm's capabilities to assist complicated projects requiring extensive mechanical and electrical fire protection skills.
AESG is one of the few active Fire & Life Safety businesses in Saudi Arabia, and it is one of only two International Consultancy firms accredited by Civil Defence as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) representative and reviewer, demonstrating the firm's profound commitment to Vision 2030.
2025 expansion plans
“Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion of mega and giga projects has significantly increased the demand for specialized Fire & Life Safety expertise. These large-scale developments require meticulous and complex fire safety planning, both from a design and regulatory standpoint. The complexity of Saudi projects necessitates both robust local knowledge as well as international expertise to develop equivalencies and alternative solutions, allowing AESG to go beyond standard code compliance and deliver high-value, performance-based fire safety solutions,” said Saeed al Abbar, CEO at AESG.
In 2024, AESG was instrumental in improving fire and life safety rules and systems for some of Saudi Arabia's most famous constructions, including essential infrastructure, healthcare institutions, and luxury hotel projects. The business also engaged with developers on significant new projects, ensuring that cutting-edge fire safety technologies were included from the start. Collectively, AESG's initiatives have helped protect nearly SAR 30 billion in constructed assets in Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, AESG plans to develop its Fire & Life Safety branch in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
“We are strengthening our advisory services in policy, procedures, and governance, leveraging expertise gained from giga-projects. Additionally, we will introduce specialised solutions for industrial projects, further enhancing our service offerings in the Kingdom. Our goal is to grow our team by over 25% while continuing to elevate service quality, client experience, and governance advisory. With the upcoming Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) and Saudi Fire Code (SBC-801) changes, AESG remains committed to guiding clients through compliance with practical, high-impact Fire & Life Safety solutions—designed to be simple, effective, and achievable” said Abdullah Faza, director - fire and life safety, Middle East at AESG.
The company's expansion strategy involves the hiring of Samer Mehran as Senior FLS Consultant for its Egypt location. Mehran contributes over 15 years of industry experience, strong technical understanding, and leadership to AESG's continuous expansion in the Middle East.
Also read: ILO praises Saudi efforts to enhance worker safety
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 7 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat, has used Flyability’s Elios 3 drone to create 3D models of restricted areas inside a decommissioned power plant, improving its understanding of locations deemed unsafe for human entry.
Once decommissioned, power plants often remain untouched for extended periods due to safety hazards and security concerns. Large industrial facilities present risks such as falls, head injuries, and confined space dangers. Additionally, the proprietary designs and operational methods of power plants require protection, leading to further restrictions.
Despite these constraints, companies must continue maintaining decommissioned plants. However, limited access makes it difficult to assess structural conditions, posing challenges for routine inspections and long-term planning.
Leveraging drone technology for inspection
The decommissioned facility, no longer in operation, had been repurposed as a training site for firefighters, but certain sections were still off-limits due to falling debris risks.
A long-time Flyability customer, Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3, an indoor drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor, for creating precise 3D maps of no-go zones. The company conducted test flights at the plant to determine whether the Elios 3’s simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) capabilities could generate usable models.
Using the FlyAware SLAM algorithm, the drone processed real-time LiDAR data, creating 3D visualisations of restricted areas. The collected data was later refined with FARO software for higher-resolution post-processed models, enhancing the team's ability to understand the facility’s layout.
The test flights focused on a deteriorating stairwell, an area deemed unsafe for human entry. The Elios 3 successfully navigated the confined space, flying 30-40 m (98-130 ft) up the stairwell while maintaining a strong signal and collecting high-precision data.
Vattenfall’s R&D team confirmed that both the SLAM-generated and post-processed models met their inspection needs, demonstrating the potential for broader applications across other decommissioned plants.
Anders Lindström, Digital Inspection Specialist in Vattenfall’s R&D Department, said,
“The LiDAR capability is a great addition to the Elios' capabilities and it is so far the only drone with LiDAR capability in this size segment”.
Without the Elios 3, personnel would have needed rope access or scaffolding to inspect the site manually, a process that could take weeks and incur high costs. Instead, the drone completed the task in just 30 minutes, showcasing significant time, cost, and safety benefits.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 6 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) celebrated the commitment of RAKEZ-based businesses to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices at the annual HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme.
The awards recognised the significant strides companies have made in enhancing their HS&E protocols, compliance and innovation as well as exemplary adherence to safety standards, reinforcing the economic zone’s position as a leader in promoting a safe and sustainable business environment.
Highlights of the event included the Green Shield Award, which was presented to companies including Al Dobowi, Anchor Allied Factory – RAK Branch, Future Architectural Glass, and Jaleel Essential Food Industries for their dedication to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the Eversafe Compliance Award recognised businesses that demonstrated exceptional commitment to HS&E compliance and innovation, with awards going to A G M, Auto Bus Laser, Berg Industries, Conmix Ltd Ind., Gumpro Drilling Fluids, Kings Tobacco, Millennium Lubricant Refinery, Peikko Gulf, RAK Petropack, World of Tents Middle East.
Anchor Allied Factory, Jaleel Essential Food Industries, Joroga Worldwide, and Sobha Modular Industries received the FleetSafe Award for their exemplary transportation safety measures, while companies driving innovation in workplace safety, such as Jaleel Essential Food Industries, Kirby Building Systems, and Knauf RAK, were honoured with the Horizon Safety Innovator Award for their groundbreaking approaches to risk management.
RAKEZ also acknowledged newcomers who have made significant progress in their HS&E practices within their first year of operation. Geo Offshore Middle East and Milestones Pro received the HS&E First-Year Achievement Award, reflecting their rapid adoption of best practices. The Consultant Contribution Award was presented to EHS Management Consultants, HSEI Middle East Safety Consultancy and Training, and Lifeline Safety Consultancy for their pivotal role in guiding businesses toward higher safety standards.
A special segment of the event was dedicated to RAKEZ’s Nujoom Al Salama Programme, the UAE’s first star-rating initiative for HS&E performance. Seven companies, including Ace Cranes Engineering, Hira Industries, Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging Middle East, KWC ME, Vertiv Gulf, and Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah, achieved the prestigious 5-star rating, recognising their industry-leading HS&E standards. Arc Middle East, Guardian RAK, Maico Gulf, Ni Met Recycling, Pioneer Cement Industries, and Unipods received a 4-star rating, while Anchor Allied Factory – RAK Branch and Naturelle earned a 3-star rating.
RAKEZ Health, Safety & Environment director Binu Kalarickan said, “At RAKEZ, we are committed to fostering a culture where health, safety, and environmental responsibility are integral to business success. These awards celebrate the dedication and proactive efforts of our clients in implementing best practices, ensuring safer workplaces, and promoting sustainability. Their achievements reflect the collective commitment of the RAKEZ business community to upholding the highest HS&E standards, which ultimately benefit not just individual companies but the entire economic zone."
RAKEZ also recognised its government partners in fostering a safer work environment, with representatives from RAK Municipality, Environment Protection and Development Authority, RAK Civil Defence, and RAK Public Service Department present at the event.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 5 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Brady Corporation has opened a new production facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia to manufacture its quality identification and safety solutions
The new facility will produce high performance pipe markers, signs and identification solutions for Middle East construction contractors, oil, petrochemical, food and beverage companies. These are designed for reliability in challenging environmental conditions and can withstand exposure to oil, grease, chemicals, high heat, humidity or UV-radiation.
Brady’s new Dammam facility also includes a large warehouse to provide next day deliveries anywhere in the Middle East. Orders that need additional production, including larger volumes and customised pipe markers, signs and labels, can be produced and delivered within 48 hours.
The new facility will enable Brady to reduce shipping costs, optimise labour expenses and reduce delivery times.
“Thanks to our new local production capability and storage capacity, Brady will be able to respond quickly to emerging facility identification challenges anywhere in the Middle East,” said Christophe Nelissen, Middle-East & Africa senior regional manager at Brady Corporation.
“Leveraging Brady’s worldwide identification technology and know-how, production in Dammam is now ready to start manufacturing at worldwide quality levels, using state-of-the-art print engines.”
It is also envisaged that the new facility will generate additional economy and labour in neighbouring communities as it strengthens and increases its service levels to Middle East companies.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 5 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is playing a leading role in an occupational safety and health coalition committed to safeguarding workers in all industries to drive business success
The Intersociety Forum (ISF) of two dozen organisations, calls for employers to go beyond legal compliance and adopt risk-based safety and health strategies. The coalition has released a report that highlights several ways a business model of safety and health can create a strategic advantage that powers positive business outcomes.
By adopting proactive, risk-based safety strategies, businesses can unlock greater productivity, reduce costs and strengthen their global competitiveness, the report says. ISF urges today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritise occupational EHS as a foundation of economic competitiveness. Embracing safety as a strategic priority will enable businesses to forge a safer, healthier and more prosperous future — one in which both businesses and workers thrive, and position the US as a global leader in safety, innovation and workforce wellbeing.
“We urge today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritize environmental, health and safety practices as a foundation of economic growth,” said ASSP chief executive officer Jennifer McNelly, CAE. “When workers are protected from injuries and illnesses, they perform at their best, which fosters productivity, innovation and global competitiveness. Safety strengthens resilience and enables businesses to thrive.”
Despite advancements in technology, workplace injury and fatality rates have remained relatively flat for the past decade, the ASSP points out. In 2023, a worker died on the job every 99 minutes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Three core principles
In its report, ISF identified three core principles that help ensure workers return home safe and healthy every day. These principles are:
1) Standards and worker well-being; safety is not just about compliance; it is about creating standards that foster business success while promoting holistic worker health.
2) Embracing risk and safety management systems, which help organisations proactively mitigate risk and embed safety into every aspect of decision-making; and
3) Revolutionising recordkeeping for predictive insights; traditional lagging indicators only tell part of the story. Leading indicators empower organisations to predict and prevent serious injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
“This guidance that goes beyond compliance can bring life to workplaces across the nation, empowering workers to perform at their peak,” McNelly said. “There are benefits to reducing operational disruptions and maximising efficiency through a sustainable workforce. Simply put, safety is good for business.”
“It’s vital that the coalition has achieved meaningful cross-organisation collaboration to speak as one voice from the safety industry,” she added.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 4 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has rolled out the second phase of its public awareness campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems across the emirate.
Timed to coincide with the start of Ramadan, the initiative, titled Your Safety is Our Priority, emphasises the importance of following safety standards and regulations to protect lives and property.
With cooking activities surging in homes, restaurants, and kitchens during Ramadan, the campaign seeks to remind residents and businesses of the critical need for safe LPG practices.
Protecting a wide range of sectors
It also aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility by engaging government and private sector stakeholders to deliver impactful safety messages and ensure a secure environment in Abu Dhabi.
The campaign targets a wide range of audiences, including domestic workers, labourers, employers, and companies in the food and hospitality sectors. It also focuses on recruitment agencies, urging them to provide adequate training for workers handling LPG systems.
H.E. Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, acting director general of regulatory affairs at the DoE, highlighted the department’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient energy sector while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
Al Qubaisi further stated, "We firmly believe that the safety of the community is paramount in all aspects of LPG handling. With this campaign, our goal is to ensure that all organisations and individuals adhere to safety protocols and implement the required standards and conditions. This necessitates ongoing collaboration with all relevant parties to prevent accidents or potential hazards. Our collective commitment to upholding these standards helps build a more secure society and promotes the long-term sustainability of the sector as a whole."
Eng. Ahmed Alsayed Mohamed Alsheebani, the DoE’s acting regulatory affairs petroleum product sector executive director, stated, "The LPG Safety Campaign is a significant step in promoting safety practices within the community, particularly given the heightened gas usage during the holy month of Ramadan. We place considerable emphasis on delivering comprehensive awareness workshops and training programmes for all the campaign's target audiences, as we understand that ongoing education and training are key to mitigating risks associated with gas utilisation."
Alsheebani also pointed out that, "The success of this campaign relies not only on the awareness programmes we provide, but also on the unified efforts of the whole community. Accordingly, we urge restaurants and employment agencies to offer suitable training to workers; in doing so, we can effect a positive change in individual behavior and promote overall public safety."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 3 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
GE Vernova recently held the 'New Era of Energy' forum at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, where CEO Scott Strazik said his company is "proud to continue our near century of contributions to the Kingdom’s power sector, and today’s announcements underscore our commitment to investing and expanding our work in this important region.”
During the event, GE Vernova signed an MoU with the Saudi Electricity Company, committing to help in Saudi Arabia's digitalisation, modernisation and acceleration of its energy transition goals. The partnership will see the deployment of GE Vernova's GridOS software and will aim to develop a Regional Center of Competency & Excellence in the Saudi capital.
GE Vernova also committed to significant spending on its GE Saudi Advance Turbines facility in Dammam, aligning with its MoU with National Grid. The facility will produce high-voltage gas-insulated switchgears.
Production will also be expanded at its existing GE Manufacturing Technology Center in Dammam.
Scott continued, "With a clear roadmap for Vision 2030 and beyond, Saudi Arabia is well placed to lead a new era of energy, and GE Vernova is honored to play a significant role in these efforts."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 28 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
As the GCC construction market continues to expand, driven by ambitious sustainability goals and innovative technologies, the International Code Council (ICC), a leading global source provider of building safety solutions, highlights several key trends that are shaping the future of building safety and sustainable construction
The GCC construction market is projected to grow from US$177.77bn in 2025 to US$226.88bn by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period, according to Mordor Intelligence. In 2025, the region is poised to embrace transformative shifts, including the rise of net-zero buildings, sustainable building materials, and the integration of advanced technologies like 3D printing and offsite construction. These emerging trends as critical to ensuring the region’s construction sector remains at the forefront of global sustainability and safety standards, according to the ICC, which emphasises the importance of a holistic, government-driven approach to leveraging opportunities for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Sustainability and green construction
As change of climate becomes an increasingly critical global issue, the GCC region is shifting toward energy-efficient, net-zero buildings. With ambitious emissions reduction targets set by governments, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative, the demand for sustainable buildings is expected to grow exponentially.
The region is experiencing a surge in demand for innovative, eco-friendly building materials such as low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and sustainably sourced materials. These materials are becoming central to modern construction practices, contributing to the overall reduction in environmental impact.
Additive manufacturing technologies, particularly 3D printing, are transforming the construction industry. By enabling rapid prototyping, customised designs, and cost-effective solutions, 3D printing is playing a key role in reducing material waste and improving energy efficiency, thereby reinforcing sustainable construction practices across the region.
Offsite construction methods, such as modular and prefabricated building solutions, are gaining momentum in the MENA region. These innovative approaches improve construction timelines, enhance quality control, and contribute to safer working environments. By shifting construction processes to factory-controlled settings, offsite construction also minimises material waste, making it a highly sustainable choice.
Energy-efficient HVAC systems are becoming a priority. These systems incorporate smart technologies, renewable energy integration, and advanced energy recovery mechanisms, all aimed at reducing carbon footprints while enhancing indoor air quality in buildings.
Addressing workforce challenges
As the GCC construction industry embraces advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and sustainable construction methods, there is an increasing demand for skilled labour. To bridge this skills gap, both governments and private sector stakeholders are investing in comprehensive training programmes, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives. ICC supports the industry with training and certification programmes crucial to elevating skill excellence and meeting this growing demand.
By providing relevant codes, standards, and resources tailored to the region’s unique challenges, the organisation aims to drive progress in creating safer, more sustainable built environments.
Mohamed Ahmed Amer, regional director of operations at ICC MENA, said, “The construction industry in the GCC is set for significant growth as it responds to the demands of global markets and tackles the challenges of environmental sustainability. The 2025 Construction Forecast highlights the need for stakeholders in the region to embrace emerging trends and innovations.”